Causes Of Depression - The Reasons Behind Why Depression Occurs

Medical Research On Depression

There have been innumerable studies on depression, and various theories have been put forward as to why people fall into a depressed state of mind. The general opinion that has been shared by the medical faculties is that there are a variety of causes that cause depression and it cannot be attributed to any one factor. Research is still going on, and great headway has been made over the years.

Many doctors feel that depression could surface as a result of genes inherited. They feel that certain traits are bound to appear in forthcoming generations. Also, these genes could adversely interfere with the serotonin that the brain produces. Finally, the only conclusion that medical researches can arrive at is that a variety of factors can cause depression, and while eliminating these factors one by one, the person can be treated successfully.

Childhood Experiences

Doctors usually will go deeply into a person's childhood and try and find out factors that could inhibit a person. For instance, if a person has had uncomfortable experiences in the physical or sexual sphere, this could have a direct impact on a person's emotional well being. The future could seem bleak and a sense of worthlessness prevails. Also the person is inhibited socially and tends to isolate himself.

Depression could also be a biological factor. One has to bear in mind that there are chemicals in the brain that help us to guard against danger - our reflexes are able to help us to protect ourselves, but if there is a chemical imbalance, then we cannot react as quickly. Also, keeping feelings dormant only serves to bring out morbid thoughts and feelings and an inability to handle any form of anxiety or stress.

Medical Conditions And Drugs As A Cause Of Depression

There are certain ailments like hyperthyroidism that can seriously affect a person's ability to handle situations regarding a job loss or the death of a loved one. Attacks of panic frequently occur, as the person is unable to handle any emotional blow. Handling pain effectively can be difficult under these circumstances.

Drugs like cocaine can have a devastating effect on the brain, and can damage the brain cells, cause attacks of paranoia and produce imbalance, so that the person is in a constant state of nervousness and fear.

The human race is complicated and in order to deal with depression effectively, it is very important to analyze the root of the problem, which may go far back to one's childhood experiences or to certain shocks like the loss of a job or a loved one, traumatic changes in one's life as a result of these devastating losses - all these need to be focused upon and dealt with accordingly, and with the help of medication and treatment available, you will be on the road to recovery.

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Mental Health Awareness Month and Mental Illness Awareness Week - Free Depression or Anxiety Tests

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, during which the free National Anxieties Disorders Screening Day is held. Consider what Kim Bassinger, Marc Summers and football great Earl Campbell have in common. They have all suffered from an anxiety disorder, America's most common mental illness. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, nearly a quarter of the American adult population will suffer from an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. Unlike normal worries, these individuals can experience a variety of symptoms which can include spontaneous panic attacks, endlessly checking and rechecking their actions, persistent, uncontrollable worry and social anxiety, which interferes with their lives.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders are characterized by fear and anxiety that appear for no apparent reason. Anxiety disorders include Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Phobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Left untreated, these conditions often become accompanied by depression, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. Although most sufferers never connect with appropriate treatment, effective treatments do exist, which can offer relief within a relatively short period of time.

The first week of every October is designated as Mental Illness Awareness Week, during which the National Depression Screening Day is held. Consider what Abraham Lincoln, Ernest Hemingway, and Brooke Shields have in common. They have all suffered from clinical depression. 

Depression and manic-depression strike more than 17 million Americans each year, according to figures from the National Institute of Mental Health. Fewer than half, however, actually seeks treatment, despite the fact that treatment can help 80 - 90 percent of those affected.

Common symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, restlessness and irritability, changes in sleep and appetite, loss of energy and thoughts of death or suicide. Manic-depression includes feelings of euphoria or agitation. Clinical depression is more than just the 'blues. It is a real, pervasive condition that even has the potential to be life threatening. 

A sufferer has no better chance to "just snap out of it" than someone, for example, with a seizure disorder simply controlling their attacks.The screenings initiatives are invaluable opportunities for people, who might otherwise be timid about discussing their concerns or symptoms, to do so without feeling pressured.

Click HERE to watch the online video: "The Pain of Depression - A Journey Through the Darkness" For more information about National Depression Screening Day and National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day visit my website, http://www.ThePsychologist.com/yearly.htm You can also find information about free, online / in-person screenings for clinical depression and anxiety.

Gerald Solfanelli is a Pennsylvania licensed psychologist and certified hypnotherapist in full-time private practice, who has participated with the National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day and the National Depression Screening Day, since 1997.

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5 Tips to That Help Depression, Anxiety and Stress

Here are 5 tips that help with stress, depression and anxiety. These are all natural things that you can do without seeing a doctor. They could help you beat your problems naturally.

1. Exercise Regularly

Exercise causes the release of endorphins that are helpful for both depression and anxiety. Exercising regularly will also reduce allow you to de-stress. When you need to blow off some steam, go for a walk, drive to the gym or do some yoga stretches. You can do yoga stretches in just a few minutes to relieve work-related stress and you won't even work up a sweat.

2. Do Deep Breathing Exercises

Many people are naturally shallow breathers. Training yourself to totally fill your lungs will help with anxious feelings and nervousness. Deep breathing exercises can be used to stop an anxiety attack. Simply breathe in for a count of 4. Hold the breath for a count of 4 and exhale slowly for a count of 4. This exercise stops the production of adrenalin and naturally relaxes your body.

3. Watch What You Eat

Some foods contain small amounts of nutrients that have some anti-depressant and anti-anxiety activity. Small amounts of tryptophan for example are found in turkey and cheese. Salt on the other hand can make you feel more anxious by raising your blood pressure. Processed foods and simple carbohydrates may make you feel sluggish and depressed because of their effects on your blood sugar levels.

4. Watch What You Drink

While a little alcohol might help you relax, it can also cause you to feel depressed. Excessive alcohol intake contributes to anxiety and depression. It also puts stress on your liver and other bodily organs.

Caffeine is a drug. Some doctors believe that many people are being treated with drugs for anxiety when they are actually suffering from caffeinism.

A small amount of caffeine can give you a boost. But many people are consuming a lot more than they should. Caffeine is a stimulant that causes your body to release adrenalin. Adrenalin is the main cause of panic attacks.

5. Increase Your Nutrient Intake

Depression and anxiety are symptoms of many different kinds of nutritional deficiencies. While you might think that your diet is giving you enough nutrients, you are probably missing out on some of the more important ones.

Omega-3 fatty acids for example are lacking in the typical American diet. The essential healthy fats are found primarily in fatty fish like tuna and salmon. Unless you are eating at least two servings of salmon, tuna or another fatty fish every week, you are not getting enough of a specific omega-3 called DHA.

Low blood levels of DHA are associated with an increased risk of depression. Fish oil supplements have proven to be beneficial for people with depression, anxiety and attention deficit disorders. The brain needs DHA to function properly.

5-HTP is another beneficial nutrient. It is not found in large enough quantities in foods to work as an anti-depressant. Supplements containing 5-HTP and other beneficial nutrients are available. Those supplements can help you fight depression, stress and anxiety naturally.

Please click the How to Treat Depression, Stress and Anxiety Naturally link below in the resource author box.

Thanks for reading the article. There is a lot more health information tips on my website - all free. I would like to invite you to visit http://www.HealthyBodySupplements.com - Treat Depression, Stress and Anxiety Naturally

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Help With Depression - Is Mental Health Still the Elephant in the Room

By Emma Mills

Today, more and more people seem to be talking about psychology, therapy and mental health.

This year the media has been extra generous in its portrayal of mental health issues. We've had multiple soap opera plot lines and docudramas detailing the life of the rich and bipolar as well as a vast array of celebrity 'meltdowns'. The lay man is enjoying an informed tour of mental health issues, from the comfort of his front room. Or is he?

Everyone can experience mental ill health- from the famed, to the less than famed; and if it's on the TV it must be ok. As the adverts would have us believe, that elephant in the room has been well and truly exposed, with famous faces around the world admitting to a mental health issue or confessing to using medication for said difficulty.

With all this in hand, one might guess that a girl about town of today's world would be more comfortable than ever before in sharing her own challenges. After all, Ms Wax does it, and makes many thousands at the West End doing so. So what does the research say on this?

As you reflect on these changes in media coverage over the last 18 months, you may find yourself not so pleasantly surprised to learn that according to research from campaigners at platform 51; A 3rd of women take anti-depressants in their life. Of those, a quarter take them for 10 years or more. And most worrying, 18% keep it a secret from their families. 1 in ten wouldn't even tell a partner.

Alternatively, I noticed that niche holistic approaches to mental health were increasing viewed as more acceptable. Twining's are even using the wellbeing concept as a marketing tool- to sell teabags! *After all it does seem more du jour to see an executive coach as opposed to a psychologist. And once you're in in the healthcare system, it's more acceptable to have a psychologist, than a psychiatrist. What is the perceived difference in this varying terminology, and why do treatments involving medications still have this stigma attached despite being so routinely prescribed?

Why is it that young women are reluctant to discuss the use of such medication for mental health difficulties? After all, sales of anti-depressants went up 45% over the last 4 years. That's 23 million prescriptions for anti-depressants a year.

Today's culture is increasingly driven by ambition and achievement; admitting to feeling low, stressed or anxious is just not a desirable option. One might be forgiven for concluding that it is socially acceptable for a celebrity to have a public breakdown or an overdose; But for the average woman of the world, to admit your finding life a bit stressful or god forbid admit that you just aren't coping-is just too much social pressure to bear.

A recent survey polled by the depression alliance suggests that women often report feeling ashamed to discuss mental health concerns with friends and family for fear of being judged, misunderstood or Labelled. It has been reported that young people in today's achievement oriented society can often feel a sense of failure, upon receiving anti-depressants; almost a last resort scenario when one cannot think of another way. And sometimes it is. But a last resort is still a choice and that in turn requires that one exercise initiative also.

People don't like to appear weak or inadequate. Seeking help and admitting that they are not feeling good can often be a real struggle as it interferes with one of our deepest fears - of taking up residence in... The out group! Accompanying this fear, is the common misconception that once you've moved into the 'out group', and experienced a mental health difficulty, you will have it/live there forever. This is a massive misconception that many mental health organisations have been campaigning to change.

Over the last ten years, I have been involved in a community project With Leading Mental Health Organisation Mind, and their talking therapies programme. We explore and promote the idea of mental wellbeing as belonging on a continuum. Where one might find themselves high or low or anywhere in-between. We have peaks and troughs, and the key here is-this is normal!

Our places on this scale can move up and down and round and round as often as you change your socks. After bereavement you may find yourself at a low ebb, near the lower end. Will you live there, at the lower end of wellbeing forever? No. probably not!

You may experience a great achievement and find yourself glowing at the highest heights- elated even. Will you be in a state of elation forever- probably not? The same concept applies to mental health issues. Diagnosis or no diagnosis.

Despite all the support and campaigning from organisations like MIND, RETHINK and TIME TO CHANGE It is surprisingly hard to be open about these things. Mental health disclosure takes on a more serious consequence when one explores the workplace: Medical records, insurance and selection criteria. But that kettle can wait for another day.

While some research suggests that women may hide their use of antidepressants in an effort to maintain positive self-concept and appearance both to themselves and to others. It is this very seeking of help that is an adaptive and indeed resilient behaviour. A courage which can only denote a strength of character present in one who is unwilling to settle for feeling less great- then they know they can feel, and deserve to feel.

So, let's each consider our own beliefs around mental health issues and the social stigma surrounding it! Mental health in our own personal real lives, the lives of our clients, the lives of our nearest and dearest and the lives of celebrities and those portrayed in the media - where is the heart of this stigma lying? Are collective attitudes towards ill mental health changing in line with their media presentation? - I'm not so sure, but every little helps right!

I recently watched an old black and white movie in which the leading lady flashed a little ankle and promptly pecked her dashing date on the cheek. A total shocker! She ran away bashful and shy with all those who saw tutting at her promiscuous and socially unkempt dallying.

Our attitudes and acceptance of new ways of behaving do and have changed with the passing of time. What was once a Rare, Risque1920's ankle flash has now become a plethora of raunchy music videos.

I think there may be hope for the subject of Ill Mental health yet.

Emma Mills BSc (Hons) Psych Dyp Hyp Runs a successfull wellbeing clinic in East London. She specialises in the entertainment and creative industries.

If you feel that your mind is becoming a barrier to your happiness and enjoyment of life, get in touch with Emma Mills today via her website, email or telephone and start making the changes you need, to live the lifestyle you deserve.

Areas of expertise include:
Depression
Anxiety & Panic
Social anxiety & Nerves
Break ups
Peak Performance among creatives

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